Sanitary rupture disk apparatus

Abstract

A sanitary rupture disk apparatus includes a rupture disk member having a periphery and a stitched portion, preferably positioned next to the periphery. A hinge area that is unstitched is provided also at the periphery of the rupture disk member. A peripheral holder or support engages the periphery of the disk member, the peripheral support being comprised of a pair of backup rings and a flexible, preferably polymeric member. The polymeric member can be in the form of a two-part flexible sanitary gasket. A pair of annular flanges of the flexible gasket extend radially inwardly of the peripheral support, each of the flanges overlapping and sealing the stitched portion of the disk member, the flanges enabling a pressure loading of the disk member.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A sanitary rupture disk apparatus, comprising: 
       a) a rupture disk member having a circumferentially extending stitched portion, a periphery and a hinge area;  
       b) a peripheral support that engages the periphery of the disk member, the peripheral support being a flexible member; and  
       c) a pair of annular flanges extending radially inwardly of the peripheral support, each of the flanges overlapping and sealing the stitched portion of the disk member during use, the flanges enabling a pressure loading of the disk member.  
     
     
       2. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the peripheral support comprises a flexible, polymeric member and a pair of spaced apart backup rings. 
     
     
       3. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the peripheral support includes a flexible member that deforms during use, conforming to the disk member to cover the stitched portion. 
     
     
       4. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the stitched portion extends more than one hundred eighty degrees about the periphery of the rupture disk member. 
     
     
       5. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the peripheral support includes a pair of support members. 
     
     
       6. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the rupture disk member is generally circular in shape. 
     
     
       7. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the rupture disk member has a center and the stitched portion is closer to the disk periphery than the disk center. 
     
     
       8. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the peripheral support includes a holder that is of a polymeric material. 
     
     
       9. The sanitary rupture disk apparatus of claim  1  wherein the peripheral support includes a flexible member that is of a rubber material. 
     
     
       10. A sanitary rupture disk apparatus, comprising: 
       a) a rupture disk member having a periphery and stitched portion;  
       b) a peripheral support engages the periphery of the disk member, the peripheral support being a flexible member;  
       c) a pair of annular flanges extending radially inwardly of the peripheral support, each of the flanges overlapping and sealing the stitched portion of the disk member during use, the flanges enabling a pressure loading of the disk member.